Victor Davis Hanson, Historian, Commentator and Author
Nov 7, 2024
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Victor Davis Hanson, a renowned historian and commentator, joins to discuss Trump's appeal post-election. He delves into the economic and social issues that resonate with middle America, highlighting feelings of exclusion and frustration with elites. The conversation covers Trump's foreign policy assertiveness and the complexities of global alliances, particularly regarding NATO and trade. Hanson also examines ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the implications of tariffs on American industry, offering sharp insights into current political dynamics.
Victor Davis Hanson highlights the deep-seated economic and social frustrations that propelled Trump's appeal among middle America voters after his victory.
The podcast discusses the significant disconnect between mainstream media narratives and actual voter sentiment, contributing to mispredicted Democratic outcomes.
Hanson emphasizes Trump's foreign policy approach, which aims for assertive negotiation with adversaries while avoiding unnecessary military conflicts.
Deep dives
The Sentiment Behind Trump's Support
A significant portion of middle America supported Donald Trump not because they viewed him as a perfect candidate, but because his positions resonated with their own feelings about living standards, inflation, and insecurity at the borders. Voters felt alienated by what they perceived as the arrogance of the elite, which led them to embrace Trump's often crude manner as a form of necessary rebellion. This feeling was amplified by the media's portrayal of them as 'deplorables,' which further fueled their support for a candidate who seemed to challenge the status quo and speak directly to their frustrations. Trump's appeal was rooted in a desire for representation and acknowledgment from the elites, prompting that demographic to rally behind someone who appeared unfiltered and genuine.
Polling Misjudgments Prior to the Election
Despite several indicators suggesting a strong Republican turnout, including unprecedented voter registrations and non-election day voting strategies, mainstream media polls inaccurately predicted outcomes favoring Democrats. Key demographics, such as Black males who previously voted Democrat, either switched allegiance or chose not to vote this time around, weakening the Democratic base. Moreover, Trump's ability to garner support among suburban white women and navigate early voting challenges highlighted a disconnect between actual voter sentiment and media narratives. Consequently, this polling misalignment contributed to a lack of preparedness among Democrats for the eventual Republican success in the elections.
The Democrats' Underestimation of Trump's Base
Democrats underestimated Trump's base by attributing his support to superficial issues like alleged sexism, without recognizing the deep loyalty he commanded among rural and small-town voters. Despite expectations that women would overwhelmingly turn against Trump over reproductive rights, many suburban women supported him, indicating that other factors were at play in their electoral decisions. Additionally, Trump’s appeal extended to traditionally Democrat-leaning minorities like Hispanics and union workers, which was significantly different from earlier elections. This loyalty was characterized by robust enthusiasm from his supporters, suggesting that they were committed to voting for him regardless of external circumstances.
The Future of Trump's Presidency and Policies
As Trump moves into this new term, his supporters anticipate that he will introduce substantive changes that reflect their desires, such as repositioning immigration policies and addressing economic grievances. His focus on dismantling the administrative state and prioritizing American interests, particularly in defense and economic strategies, is expected to be a clear departure from previous administrations. There is a belief among his followers that he will pursue these goals with a decisiveness that has been lacking in U.S. governance, aiming to enhance national security and revitalize the economy. The Republican base seems unified in its expectation that Trump will not shy away from controversial decisions, viewing them as crucial to restoring American strength.
Geopolitical Implications of Trump's Return
Trump's presidency is projected to bring a shift in America's approach to international relations, prioritizing a strong stance against adversaries while avoiding unnecessary military engagement. His transactional diplomacy is expected to resonate well with allies such as Israel, while also sending a clear message to nations like China and Iran that aggressive actions will not be tolerated. He aims to restore deterrence without resorting to harmful military conflicts, focusing instead on negotiation and firm responses to threats. This approach is anticipated to alleviate some global anxieties regarding U.S. foreign policy, particularly among traditional allies who value a more assertive and engaged American presence.
Victor Davis Hanson joins John after President-elect Trump’s victory to explore why his direct style resonated with middle America. Hanson examines the economic and social factors driving Trump’s appeal, from rising inflation and border insecurity, to the sense of exclusion felt by many Americans. This interview highlights the stark divide between global elites and everyday citizens, examining how media and institutions underestimated public frustration.
Hanson argues that Trump’s policies address real concerns, fostering a lasting loyalty among voters. In addition to domestic dynamics, Hanson assesses Trump’s assertive approach to foreign policy, from NATO to trade relations, and its effect on global alliances.
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